New recruit George North is determined to provide Northampton Saints with the extra edge they need to claim the Premiership title.

North, who made a high-profile switch from the Scarlets this summer, is one of a number of high-profile additions including England prop Alex Corbisiero and Samoa scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i preparing for the new season at Franklin's Gardens and hoping to propel last season's beaten finalists and play-off regulars to the English crown.

"I haven't had a chance to win much with the Scarlets. That was one of the reasons I was keen to come to Northampton," North told PA Sport. "They have been in the hunt for the Premiership for a few years now and they have been in Europe.

"I am really happy to be here and I have come here to perform. The Premiership is seen in Wales as a forwards game. With Alex King coming in (as backs coach) we have a great chance to play some attacking rugby. We have a great back three here."

North, who starred for the British & Irish Lions in Australia this summer, will line up alongside another notable tourist in the form of Corbisiero who is equally determined to impress.

"The boys here put down a bit of a marker to show what they are capable of last season," Corbisiero said. "The squad will learn from those experiences and the club have made some good signings, with guys like George and Kahn. I am happy to be here and we will only go forwards and upwards.

"The minimum is the top four but the guys want to play in that final and win it. I have wanted it for so long and I will really push myself to get there. You want to play in the big games and have an opportunity to win trophies and experience those things in your career. This is the perfect place for me to do that."